Cosmic Beans

A Timeless Family Favorite

Cosmic Beans, affectionately known in our family as “Chemo Casserole,” holds a deep sentimental value and a rich history. Passed down through generations, it was initially created as a comforting, protein-packed meal during a challenging time in my father’s life. Over the years, the recipe evolved into the beloved Cosmic Beans we cherish today. Whether served as a hearty main dish or a flavorful side, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

History and Inspiration of Cosmic Beans

The origins of Cosmic Beans date back to my grandmother, lovingly referred to as Grammie. She crafted this dish during my father’s cancer treatment, focusing on nutrition and taste to help him through the difficult journey. The name “Chemo Casserole” was used by our family, but as time passed, the recipe took on a new life and was renamed “Cosmic Beans,” symbolizing the otherworldly experience it brings to the table. Every bite of this hearty dish carries warmth, comfort, and a sense of tradition that we continue to pass down.

Why You’ll Love Cosmic Beans

What makes Cosmic Beans so special is its versatility and simple, yet impactful, ingredients. The combination of bacon, ground beef, and three types of beans creates a rich texture and flavor that appeals to both meat lovers and those who enjoy a fulfilling vegetarian alternative (you can simply leave out the bacon and beef for a plant-based version). The added touch of brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar gives it a balanced sweetness with a tangy undertone, making it a unique dish you can serve on any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a high-protein meal after a long day or something special to bring to a family gathering, Cosmic Beans won’t disappoint. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and preserve it through canning, ensuring that you always have a jar of homemade goodness ready when needed.

The Health Benefits of Cosmic Beans

One of the standout features of Cosmic Beans is its nutritional value. Packed with protein from the bacon, ground beef, and beans, this dish is great for providing sustained energy. Beans, in particular, are a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes heart health. The addition of bacon gives a smoky flavor, while ground beef offers an extra protein boost. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat, and the beans alone will still give you plenty of plant-based protein and fiber.

Additionally, this dish contains ingredients like brown sugar and vinegar, which have their benefits too. Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness while maintaining some minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. Vinegar adds a tangy flavor while helping to balance the dish’s overall taste and aiding digestion.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cosmic Beans

• Bacon: Choose high-quality bacon to get the best flavor. If you prefer a smoky undertone, opt for smoked bacon.
• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. However, a slightly higher fat content will add richness to the flavor.
• Beans: Butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans make the perfect trio. If you can’t find specific types, feel free to substitute them with other beans like pinto beans or navy beans, but ensure they’re well-drained to avoid excess liquid.
• Mustard: If you don’t have dry mustard on hand, regular mustard works just as well. Adjust the amount based on your flavor preference.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer a more savory dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Canning: Canning is an excellent way to preserve Cosmic Beans for future use. Make sure to sterilize your jars properly, and follow the pressure canning instructions to ensure your beans are safely stored.

Canning Cosmic Beans

Canning Cosmic Beans is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life and always have a delicious meal on hand. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Sterilize Jars: Wash and sterilize pint-sized jars, along with their lids and rings. This ensures the jars are clean and free from any bacteria that could spoil the beans.
2. Fill Jars: Spoon the hot Cosmic Beans mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
3. Wipe Rims: Clean the rims of the jars with a damp cloth or vinegar to ensure a proper seal.
4. Seal Jars: Place the hot lids and rings on the jars and tighten them securely.
5. Process in a Pressure Canner: Add the jars to a hot pressure canner, making sure they are not overcrowded. Vent the canner for 10 minutes once steam appears, then add the correct weight to build pressure. Process the jars for 75 minutes for pint jars or 90 minutes for quart jars at a consistent pressure.
6. Cool Jars: After processing, allow the canner to depressurize naturally before carefully removing the jars. Let them cool on a towel-lined countertop, listening for the “pop” sound that indicates a proper seal.

Serving Suggestions

Cosmic Beans are a fantastic addition to a variety of meals. You can serve them alongside roasted meats, as a side for barbecues, or even on their own with a slice of crusty bread. They also pair wonderfully with baked potatoes or can be enjoyed over rice for a more filling meal. For a casual gathering, try serving them in small bowls with a topping of shredded cheese and a side of cornbread.

Cosmic Beans is a versatile dish that works well for many occasions, from family dinners to potlucks. The ease of preparation, combined with the ability to can and store, makes it a recipe that fits into busy lives without compromising on flavor or quality.

Cosmic Beans

Recipe by admin

0.0 from 0 votes

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

2

hours 

Cosmic Beans is a savory, protein-packed dish combining bacon, ground beef, and three types of beans, perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy notes from brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Ideal for family dinners or as a side for gatherings, it’s a comforting meal that can be preserved through canning.

Ingredients

• 1 lb diced bacon

• 1 lb ground beef, browned

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 can butter beans, drained

• 1 can kidney beans, drained

• 1 can pork n beans

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1 tsp dry mustard or 2 tsp regular mustard

• 3 tbsp vinegar

• 5 heaping tbsp brown sugar

Directions

• In a large pot, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
• Brown the ground beef in the same pot, drain, and set aside.
• Saute diced onions until translucent and fragrant.
• Add bacon, ground beef, onions, butter beans, kidney beans, pork n beans, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 30 minutes.
• For canning, follow the steps to sterilize jars, fill with hot beans, and process in a pressure canner.

Notes

• Feel free to swap out butter beans or kidney beans with other beans like navy or pinto beans if preferred.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 1.8
• Calories: 400kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 22g